Ottawa: Holistic Culinary Certificate Workshops

Designed to enrich kitchen skills and confidence, students are introduced to an array of whole foods, diverse methods of food preparation and how certain techniques can enhance the restorative qualities of food. During 30 hours of experiential learning, students sharpen their practical abilities while deepening their knowledge of whole foods and holistic health.

Students who complete all 30 hours of training will receive the Holistic Culinary Certificate. Classes are taught by Registered Holistic Nutritionist™ professionals and professionally trained chefs, and are designed to integrate the benefits of food into the kitchen, provide recipes, and give students increased confidence and skill in the areas of meal planning, food shopping, and food preparation.

For these virtual cooking classes, students can choose to participate and cook alongside the demonstration or sit back and watch and learn. Through the Zoom platform, students are able to ask questions using the video and audio of their device. In advance of the class, students will be sent a recipe, shopping list, and a list of kitchen tools needed to participate in the class.

Workshop Instructors:

Shawna McCusker, R.H.N.

Shawna McCusker graduated from CSNN as a Registered Holistic Nutritionist™ professional in 2016; she is passionate about pediatric nutrition and wellness. After nearly 10 years working in Social Work, mental health/counselling and behaviour therapy at CHEO and The Ottawa Hospital, Shawna decided to pursue an adjunct career in nutrition to further benefit the population with whom she worked, as well as her own growing family. It became increasingly evident that the relationship developed with food at an early age can assist and enable someone in navigating life stressors in the healthiest way possible, while fostering a healthy relationship with one’s own body and sense of self. Shawna continues to work full-time in behaviour modification and counselling at The Ottawa Hospital Weight Management Clinic while running her own business – Sprouting Balance Nutrition and Wellness – through which she offers workshops, consultation and a supportive community for parents, caregivers and ‘The Village’ at large, to discover and nurture what is ultimately best for oneself, little people and the family as a whole.

Shawna teaches the following Holistic Culinary Workshop: Cooking for Kids

Natalie Rivier, R.H.N., Competitive Athlete

Natalie is a certified fitness professional, Registered Holistic Nutritionist™ professional, and competitive athlete. She is a graduate of the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition with a diploma in Natural Nutrition, and also a graduate of Shaw Academy in Ireland with a diploma in Advanced Sports Nutrition. As a competitive power lifter, she has discovered the power that food has on training, recovery and competition. She is also very well known for her love of baking whole food healthy treats and sharing them with everyone she knows. She inspires all of those who have the chance to listen to her speak because her passion and enthusiasm for eating well and living well are undeniably contagious.

Nayeer Salem, R.H.N., Professional Chef

Nayeer Salem is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist™ professional and Chef based in the Ottawa/Almonte area. In addition to her training as a Holistic Nutrition Practitioner, she also has a degree in Culinary Management and is a certified Hatha Yoga teacher and traditional Usui Reiki master practitioner/instructor. As part of her culinary background, she spent over four years working in two of Ottawa’s most vibrant & creative restaurants (SOCIAL and SIDEDOOR). Both of these restaurants allowed her to experience first-hand a progressive approach to food inspired by fresh seasonal produce and exotic flavours. Nayeer believes that having a healthy and vibrant life means having an alignment of the mind, body and soul.